Virgin Lake

Paddle your canoe out to one of 5 islands on this pothole lake, or enjoy herons, egrets and waterfowl in the marshy area on the south and west sides. You can find a variety of spring wildflowers in the woodland area on the islands. Fish for Walleye, Crappie, Perch and Bullhead. This is even a good ice fishing lake. Hunting is permitted on the 432 acre DNR tract on the northwest side of this lake. Pheasant and waterfowl are the main attraction.

Pothole Birding

Put in your canoe or boat on the northeast or south side of the lake at the primitive ramps. Enjoy herons, egrets, bitterns, Sedge wrens, Yellow-headed blackbirds and a variety of waterfowl. The upland prairie on the south and west side is a great place to view Dicksissel, Meadowlark and Bobolinks.

Location Description and Other Information

Virgin Lake is located 2 miles south of Ruthven. From Hwy 18, take 350th Avenue

1 mile south of Ruthven, east on 370th Street ¼ mile, and south again on 350th Avenue to reach the northeast side of Virgin Lake and the main boat ramp.

• Birding drive located off of Hwy 18 (south of Ruthven) - 355th Avenue and 380th Street. (on gravel road)
• GPS location N 43 05.857 W 094 54.322
• Virgin Lake - 222 acres, upland prairie tract- 432 acres, Iowa DNR administers the tract.
• Wildflowers, Birding, Canoeing/Kyaking, Hunting.

Visit Virgin Lake via Google Map by Clicking HERE!

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Take a short visit Virgin Lake via the video below!

Wild Categories Photo Gallery